Best Arancini in Catania - My local favourite places (updated 2024)
Best Arancini in Catania - My local favourite places (updated 2024)
Ever found yourself wandering through the vibrant streets of Catania, pondering, "Where might I find the city’s best Arancini?"
It’s a query worth asking! Lucky for you, we’ve spent ample time here, and our love for arancini has taken us on quite the culinary journey.
Today, we're thrilled to share our top Arancini spots in Catania, exploring the unique twists each locale brings to their recipes.
We’ve also included Google Maps links and general locations to ensure you can easily find the tastiest (and nearest) delights wherever you are in the city!
Let’s dive straight into the chart!
1. 🍘 Antica Pasticceria Savia
📍Near Bellini Garden, Catania - Open on Google Maps
🍘 Why is this special?
-Traditional recipe for over 100 years.
-Hand-cut beef
-One of the oldest in Catania
Price: €2-3
When I'm wandering down Via Etnea and get that arancino craving, Savia is my spot. They’ve always got these fresh, hot arancini ready to savour.
Their ragu arancino is one of the best (if not the best) in Catania. It comes in the typical pointed shape, with a crunchy bite and a creamy filling with the famous pieces of meat inside which are knife-cut and not minced.
My top picks are the 'Ragu', the norma with aubergines, and the pistachio one. You can chill at their outside tables, and observe the multicultural people of Catania, or grab some to go and head up to Villa Bellini to enjoy them while contemplating nature.
Now, the next place I’m gonna tell you about is actually my top favorite. Ready to find out?
Photo Credit: Pasticceria Savia
2.
🍘 Canusciuti Sicilian Cafe
📍Near Piazza Duomo, Catania - Open on Google Maps
🍘 Why is this special?
-Original & Creative recipes and flavours
-High Quality ingredients and finely crafted
-Fried to order
Price: €3-4
When I'm in the mood to explore new arancini recipes with a twist of creative and high-quality ingredients, Canusciuti is my go-to spot.
Drawing inspiration from the classics of Sicilian culinary traditions, they continuously craft unusual and original recipes. The exceptional quality of their ingredients elevates their arancini, making them some of the best in Catania.
One of our favourites is the pistachio flavour (of course:).
The owner is not only incredibly lovely but has also become a good friend. Their arancini, though, are truly in a league of their own. The flavours, crafted from authentic Sicilian ingredients and recipes, are absolutely out of this world.
Given the quality of the ingredients and the creativity behind the recipes, this spot tops my list of favourites.
They do offer a wider menu for those in your group who might want something different, but that's not our focus today, so let's move on to the next gem!
Photo Credit: Canusciuti Sicilian Cafe
3.
🍘 Arancineria Espresso Serafino
🍘 Why is this special?
-High Quality ingredients and variety
-Generously filled, busting with flavours
-Fried to order
Price: €2-3
A friend introduced me to this shop, and I've been in love ever since. This spot, just outside the touristic route but still in the heart of Catania, is a haven for arancini lovers like me, serving them crispy, cheesy, and absolutely bursting with fillings.
It's the kind of place that satisfies deep, local flavour cravings, especially when the hunger pangs hit hard. Their made-to-order arancini are not just food; they're an experience, very generously filled and crafted with top-notch ingredients (love it).
The menu offers a wide array of flavours, ensuring there’s an arancino for everyone, with the pistachio and shrimp variants topping my favourites list.
Reasonable prices, the abundance and the quality of fillings make this place a must go spot for arancini in Catania!
Next, one of my favourites ragu arancino!
Photo Credit: Arancineria Espresso Serafino
4. Prestipino
🍘 Why is this special?
-Tangy Cheese and traditional recipe
-Open since 1976
-Good quality ingredients
Price: €2-3
Prestipino stands as a pillar in Catania's culinary tradition, and oh, their arancini! Established in 1976, this place has been serving up some of the tastiest arancini, especially their ragu variant, right in the heart of Catania.
Their choice of tangy cheese adds an extra layer to the beef and tomato sauce, creating a deep, earthy flavour that touches the soul.
While I'm partial to their ragu arancino, if you fancy exploring different flavours, other spots might offer a wider variety and expertise. But for a classic, deeply satisfying bite in the city centre, Prestipino always gets my vote.
Photo Credit: Prestipino Duomo Catania
5. Arancinissimi e Cannolissimi
🍘 Why is this special?
-Gluten and Lactose Free Arancini
-Traditional Arancini
-High quality ingredients
Price: €2-3
What truly stands out for me about this spot is their dedication to crafting traditional recipes in a way that's accessible to everyone, by creating gluten-free and lactose-free versions.
Their arancini, even without gluten and lactose, manage to maintain the authentic, beloved taste of the traditional ones, showcasing their effort and creativity in developing a truly scrumptious recipe.
They also serve traditional arancini, which are incredibly delicious in their own right. It's a mindful and delightful experience through and through.
Photo Credit: Arancinissimi e Cannolissimi
So, what's the best Arancino in Catania?
The "best" arancino can be quite subjective as it often depends on personal preference.
However, based on popular opinion and traditional flavours, many locals and tourists alike rave about the arancini at Pasticceria Savia and Canusciuti Sicilian Cafe.
Savia is renowned for its classic ragu arancino with hand-cut beef, while Canusciuti is celebrated for its innovative and high-quality ingredients, offering a twist on the classic with options like their pistachio flavour.
How much does an arancino cost in Catania?
The price of an arancino in Catania can vary depending on the place and the type of arancino you choose. On average, you might expect to pay between €2 and €4 for one. Some specialty or gourmet versions, or those in high-tourist areas, might be slightly more expensive.
Where is it best to eat Arancini in Sicily?
Sicily offers a plethora of options when it comes to arancini, each region having its own special twist on the classic. In Catania, spots like Pasticceria Savia, Canusciuti Sicilian Cafe, and Arancineria Espresso Serafino are highly recommended.
In Palermo, you might explore the offerings at Ke Palle, known for their innovative takes on the classic arancino. Meanwhile, in Ragusa, Mangiare Girando is famed for its delicious, traditional arancini. Ultimately, the "best" place might be where you find your personal favourite, as each establishment offers something a little different, catering to varied palates and preferences.
How to make Arancini at Home
Ingredients
For the Risotto:
- 2 cups Arborio rice
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- Saffron (optional)
- 1 cup white wine
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Additional Filling:
- Mozzarella cheese, cubed
- Peas (optional)
For the Coating:
- 2 cups breadcrumbs
- 3 eggs, beaten
- Flour, for dusting
For Frying:
- Vegetable oil
For the Ragu Filling:
- 200g minced beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 carrot, finely chopped
- 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/2 cup red wine
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Risotto:
- Sauté the onion in olive oil until translucent.
- Add the rice and toast slightly.
- Gradually add the wine, then the broth, stirring continuously until the rice is cooked.
- Melt a bag of saffron into some warm water, then add it to the cooked rice.
- Stir in the Parmesan, season with salt and pepper, and allow to cool.
Very Important: Make sure the rice is cool before you try and form the arancini.
You can put the rice in an oven tray and let it cool evenly.
2. Prepare the Ragu:
- Sauté the onion, carrot, and celery in olive oil.
- Add the minced beef and brown it.
- Add the tomato paste and wine, simmer until the wine evaporates.
- Season with salt and pepper and allow to cool.
3. Forming the Arancini:
- Wet your hands in order to avoid the rice sticking
- Take a portion of the cooled risotto and flatten it in your hand.
- Place a small amount of the ragu, a cube of mozzarella or caciocavallo, and a few peas (if using) in the center.
- Enclose the filling with the rice and form it into a ball or cone shape.
- Repeat with the remaining rice and filling.
4. Coating and Frying:
- Roll the formed arancini in flour, then dip in beaten egg, and finally roll in breadcrumbs.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large, deep saucepan at around C° 180-190.
- Fry the arancini in batches until they are golden brown, make sure they are fully covered in oil while frying.
- Drain on paper towels and serve hot.
Tips:
- Ensure the risotto is cool enough to handle - it might be best to refrigerate it for a few hours.
- You can also add saffron to the risotto for an extra layer of flavour and a lovely yellow colour.
- Feel free to get creative with the fillings - different cheeses, mushrooms, or even a bit of chorizo can add a unique twist to your arancini.
Enjoy crafting this beloved Sicilian snack at home!
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